Membership

THE PURPOSE OF MEMBERSHIP

The elders of Emmaus Reformed Baptist Church have been entrusted with the responsibility and privilege of shepherding this local congregation. In order to effectively provide pastoral care, the elders have established the following membership process and encourage all who attend Emmaus to progress through it. By doing so, individuals will grow in their understanding of the doctrines of Emmaus Reformed Baptist Church, commit themselves to this local body of believers, and entrust themselves to the loving care of the elders and deacons.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP

A member of Emmaus Reformed Baptist Church must:
1. Trust in Christ alone for their salvation, living in a way that agrees with biblical faith.
2. Have been baptized upon profession of faith.
3. Be aware of and in general agreement with the doctrines of this church as described in the Core Documents of ERBC, being willing to humbly submit to the loving care of the elders, and eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace within this church where questions or differences of opinion may exist (see Ephesians 4:3; Romans 14:1).

THE MEMBERSHIP PROCESS

The membership process at Emmaus consists of four lessons. If there are enough people interested in membership, these lessons will be taught live in a four-week class. Typically, these classes will be offered on Sunday mornings at the church during the Sunday School hour (9:00-9:45AM). If there is not enough interest to warrant a class, a pastor may lead prospective members through this process individually utilizing pre-recorded lessons.

The four lessons are these:
Lesson 1 – Introducing Membership
Lesson 2 – An Introduction To The London Baptist Confession Of 1689
Lesson 3 – An Overview Of The Constitution, Ministries, And Distinctives’ Of Emmaus Reformed Baptist Church
Lesson 4 – The Privileges And Responsibilities Of Church Membership

While progressing through these lessons prospective members should:

  1. Read the book, Jesus Loves The Church And So Should You.
  2. Read Emmaus’ Core Documents: The London Baptist Confession, Baptist Catechism, and Constitution.*
  3. Submit the forms packet, which includes: Prospective Member Questionnaire, Membership Application, and Church Covenant.*
  4. Submit a personal testimony.
  5. Meet with a pastor for an interview (questions about the reading can be discussed at this time).
  6. Be presented to the church as a prospective member and after one month, be received as a member by vote of the congregation.
  7. Be baptized. When baptism is necessary, the congregation will vote to receive members pending their baptism.

* All documents and forms linked above will be provided in 2 separate printed packets at the membership class.

"Him we proclaim,
warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom,
that we may present everyone mature in Christ."
(Colossians 1:28, ESV)

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